Devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ review

Top of the range powerline network adaptors

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Our Verdict

For

Great network speeds

Easy to set up

Desktop and mobile software is good

Improved body design

Against

Expensive

Body is still bulky

Sometimes it just takes a little thing to make a big impact on a product. Devolo has been making quality powerline network adaptors for some time, such as the Devolo dLAN 500 AVtriple+, and the Devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ is the pinnacle of Devolo's premium line of adaptors.

In this starter kit there are two adaptors that come with mains pass through sockets, which means you don't lose a power socket when you plug in the adaptor. It's a welcome touch, and also helps clean out any interference from other electrical devices that are plugged in to the pass through socket, which can help improve data speeds.

The second adaptor includes three LAN ports, enabling wired connections, along with built-in Wi-Fi that turns the adaptor into a wireless hotspot.

This method of expanding your wireless network works better than a wireless booster due to the fact that it doesn't have to rely on a weakening existing Wi-Fi signal to boost - it creates a brand new network straight from the powerline, resulting in excellent Wi-Fi coverage. It supports both 2.4 and 5GHz bands, though not at the same time.

But what about that "little thing" we mentioned? We're talking about the slight alteration that makes the long body of the adaptors direct upwards above the power socket, rather than hanging down as with older models. This small change not only makes the LAN sockets easier to access, but also makes the adaptor easier to install, especially for those of us that have power sockets close to the floor.

Verdict

Overall this is a fantastic product, with excellent data transfer speeds and the dLAN Cockpit app provides the ability to monitor and configure the network from your mobile device. Devolo has once again made a brilliant powerline networking adaptor that's both future-proof and backwards compatible if you have older powerline devices.

Tech Specs

Product Type

Powerline Network Adapter

Wireless LAN

No

Network (RJ-45)

Yes

Product Family

dLAN

Brand Name

devolo

Maximum Distance Supported

300 m

Green Compliant

Yes

Green Compliance Certificate/Authority

WEEE

Powerline Transmission Standard

HomePlug AV

Ethernet Technology

Gigabit Ethernet

Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports

1

Height

130 mm

Width

66 mm

Depth

42 mm

Manufacturer

devolo AG

Product Model

500 AVplus

Product Name

dLAN 500 AVplus Network Kit

Product Line

dLAN

Manufacturer Part Number

9045

Manufacturer Website Address

http://www.devolo.co.uk

Marketing Information

Make use of the home network of the future today, and connect computers and consumer electronics via the household power line-with the dLAN 500 AVplus! All devices can be connected to each other and the Internet quickly, easily and securely. dLAN reaches speeds of up to 500 Mbps and features even higher performance than network cables or WLAN-and that without WLAN picture stutter or the need to route cables. And with its integrated electrical socket, no power outlet goes to waste.